The United States under President Donald Trump is considering expanding its travel ban to include citizens from 36 additional countries, including Tanzania and Uganda, according to an internal State Department cable seen by Reuters. The move, aimed at enhancing national security, marks a significant escalation of Trump’s hardline immigration policy during his second term.
The cable, reportedly signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlines key concerns about the countries in question, citing inadequate government cooperation, unreliable identity documents, and poor passport security. The directive gives these countries 60 days to meet specific benchmarks or face full or partial suspension of entry into the U.S.
Countries such as Angola, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Zambia are among those listed. The document notes that not all concerns apply equally to each country, but highlights issues such as overstayed visas, lack of cooperation in deporting nationals, and alleged links to terrorism or anti-American activities.
This potential expansion builds on a travel ban Trump enacted earlier this month, which restricted entry from 12 nations including Iran, Somalia, Yemen, and Libya. Seven additional countries, including Venezuela and Cuba, are also facing partial restrictions.
A senior State Department official, without confirming the internal deliberations, said the U.S. constantly reviews its visa policies to “ensure the safety of Americans and that foreign nationals follow our laws.”
Trump’s travel ban legacy dates back to 2017 when he signed an executive order restricting travel from several Muslim-majority countries. After legal challenges, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a revised version of the policy in 2018.
Critics argue that these moves disproportionately affect countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, and could strain diplomatic relations. Human rights advocates warn the policy may unfairly target nations with weak infrastructure rather than genuine security threats.
If implemented, the expanded ban could complicate travel for thousands, disrupt education and business ties, and further cement Trump’s controversial stance on immigration. The affected nations now face a tight deadline to address U.S. security concerns or risk isolation from one of the world’s largest economies.
